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From creative counters and workstations to dazzling islands and inlines, Classic Exhibits has become a “go to” source for custom design and builds. Our 20+ year history with wood, metal, and plastic fabrication, combined with our expertise in lighting and electronics, allows us to design cost-effective custom solutions for any requirement.

We encourage you to send us your project ideas, whether you’re looking for a trade show, retail, corporate environment, or event solution. Curious to see more? Browse the Custom Photo Gallery for past projects.

Classic Exhibits

At Classic Exhibits, we design and build exhibits for folks who love trade shows and special events. It's our passion. And it should be. After all, we're in the business of showcasing your products, your services, and your company using stunning graphics and memorable 3D displays.

Proudly designing and building display solutions since 1993.

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Posts Tagged ‘pop up’

Recently, a Classic Distributor asked us to record a quick video showing the basic assembly and features of the Quadro S Pop Up Display. So a few days ago, we recorded this off-the-cuff and very casual video in our shop once everyone had left. You’ll quickly see why I never auditioned for any high school or college plays.

We thought we’d share it for anyone unfamiliar with the benefits and features of the Quadro S. My thanks to Jeff Garrett, our video guru, for turning a pile of @*!% into something presentable.

As someone who writes blog posts, I know there are good ones, great ones, and “Outta the Park” ones. This one by Charles Dugan at American Image qualifies as the latter. It’s the best summary of pop up displays I’ve ever read — concise but detailed, fair but qualified. Here’s a link to the original post, or you can read it below, complete with the links. Well done Charles! I look forward to reading the rest of the series where you discuss “Hybrids” and “Modulars.”

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Trade Show Displays: Explanation of Pop Ups

Trade Show Displays have evolved in the last decade, and some of the terminology has evolved too, so we thought we’d go over some of the different exhibition stand construction techniques and what those different displays are called. The journey will take a few posts; in today’s article, we’ll start with a review of the venerable pop up display.

Pop Up Displays have been around for a long time. They use an expandable accordion frame structure, usually made from aluminum. This frame collapses into about a 20″ square, approx 30″ tall. When expanded, the frame literally “pops up” into place, hence the name “Pop Up Display”.

Separate magnetic bars are hung in front of the frame, using hooks that attach to the top of the frame, and latches that attach to the hubs in front too. Then panels with magnetic strips on the sides and hooks on top are attached; these panels are roll-able, so they can store in the shipping case, and historically have held either Velcro-receptive fabric or printed and laminated mural graphics on the front of the panels.

Construction for pop up displays varies a little from one manufacturer to the next, using slightly different hubs and scissor arms, and offering different accessories. The frames can look almost identical to the casual eye, and sometimes even to an experienced eye. However, there is a range of quality that buyers should be aware of. The least expensive pop up stands are seemingly only intended for a few uses, because the plastic hubs and scissor arms break or bend pretty quickly. More durable pop up display stands use better engineering and stronger parts, and normally come with a lifetime hardware warranty.

Pop up display stands are available in 6ft, 8ft, 10ft, and 20ft widths, normally 8ft tall, to fit almost every trade show booth size requirement. They are also available in shorter, table top sizes. In these different widths, they are offered in a concave curve, a flat shape, and also as a serpentine or “S” shape. Some designs, particularly the floor height flat designs, offer side wall returns too. These different shapes can be combined, as illustrated in the rendering above, which shows a 10ft concave attached to a 10ft flat, with a 3ft side wall return.

Pop up display designs can combine fabric panels and laminated graphics. Most of the higher quality designs offer a variety of accessories; starting with monitor mounts and lights, but also including shelves, shadow boxes and internal lighting, as shown in the rendering above. Shipping cases are often ordered with case wraps, covering them with either a fabric wrap or a printed graphic, to convert the shipping case into a podium to be used at your show.

A variation on the pop up display was released a few years ago, and combines the pop up display frame with tension fabric graphics. One of the best known examples of this pop up display is called the Burst or VBurst display. As with the standard pop up displays, this new style pop up booth uses an accordion-like frame, with a single dye sublimation printed fabric graphic. The graphic is mounted with Velcro to the frame, and normally stays in place on the frame, even while disassembled. This reduces the set-up time for this style of pop up display from 15 minutes or so to one or two minutes — greatly appreciated by exhibitors!

The tension fabric graphic on the Burst pop up displays can come with or without side panels, and, while it is normally left in place, it can be quickly removed to swap out graphics. It can also be tossed into a washing machine, gentle cycle, if it becomes soiled. If these tension fabric graphics are left folded up in the case for too long between shows, the fabric can get a little wrinkled, but the fabric is designed to be wrinkle resistant, and bringing a long a portable steamer solves the problem in just a few minutes.

The Burst comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes, including table top displays and floor standing displays, flat and curved, with or without graphic side walls. Because of its instantaneous setup, it is very popular with sports teams, governments, schools, and media outlets that frequently make press releases — 2 minutes and you’ve got a graphic back drop for your TV appearance or photo opportunity!

As with the standard pop up display, there are many manufacturers that claim to make tension fabric pop up displays that are identical to the Burst. Comparing the different products reveals that some of the frames are easy to break, and the best ones, like the Burst, come with a lifetime hardware warranty.

Similarly, the fabric graphic is difficult to get exactly right — some of the less expensive knock-offs use fabric that wrinkles a lot more quickly and never ever seems to get rid of the wrinkles.

As with the standard pop up display stands, the Burst shipping cases are available with graphic wraps, so the cases can be converted into podiums.

Another recent variation on the standard pop up display is called an Xpressions display. This system also uses an accordion-like frame combined with tension fabric graphics, but uses a lighter weight frame than standard pop ups. The Xpressions frames come in a wide variety of configurations. Each square formed by the frame is called a quad, and there are 3 quad triangular designs, 1×3 vertical towers, 2×3’s, 3x3s, 3x4s, 4x4s, etc.

The most innovative part of the Xpressions displays is the use of multiple graphic skins, which can be attached by buttons to either the front or back of the special Xpressions frames. Multiple skins allows quick changes to individual skins, showing a different product for different clients. Attaching the graphic to the front and back allows some 3D effects, creating different and unique looks for the displays.

Like the Burst, the Xpressions display system also allows the graphic skin to remain on the frame while collapsed. And like the Burst, the Xpressions frame sets up in seconds, and can be stored in a shipping case that converts to a podium. Also like the Burst, the Xpressions is available in both table top and floor standing designs; the table top version uses a smaller frame size, allowing Xpressions Salesmate table top pop up displays to fit into smaller carry bags for easy use in spur of the moment presentations.

The multiple skin graphics on the Xpressions allows a great deal more innovation, in graphics, and also in the hardware, and the manufacturer has been releasing some very intriguing accessories and modifications to the Xpressions displays recently. Both the floor standing and the table top frame sizes offer square graphic skins, rectangular graphics, and diamond shaped skins; all of these can attach in front, in back, or can be stretched from front to back, creating a variety of 3 dimensional effects.

More recent innovations include adding sheer transparent skins (for more 3D effects), backlit skins (LED lighting behind them), and most recently, special adapters and connectors that allow angled connections. This new feature, called Connex, allows users to create some fantastic new circular backwalls and towers – even round rooms. The graphic skins can still be squares, larger rectangles, or diamonds, and can also include the sheer skin and backlit skin options used on other Xpressions displays. With the new Xpressions Connex pop up displays, the only limit is your imagination!

This completes our review of the Pop Up Trade Show Display category. As noted, the common factor is the accordion-like, “pop up frame” that all of these systems use. The standard pop up stands use roll-able, heavier fabric or laminated graphic panels. These are still very reliable choices for displays — a client two years ago purchased five Quadro S Pop Up Displays, and last month told us that they’ve been to 75 shows so far with no visible wear and tear!

Newer style pop ups include the Burst and the Xpressions display systems. These feature fabric graphics instead of roll-able panels, making these newer systems a little lighter; since the graphic skins stay on the collapsed displays, setup and take-down is very quick. Whatever pop up display works best, you can find all the details and choices on our Pop Up Display web page.

Next post, we’ll review the evolution of Panel Displays, before delving into Modular and Hybrid trade show displays.

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions and engineered aluminum extrusions (ClassicMODUL). Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100.

For Classic Distributors Only

Quadro Pop Up Fabric Panels

Typically, we wouldn’t post this information in a blog, but this is our way of rewarding our loyal blog, Facebook, and LinkedIn followers. We have an inventory of Quadro S and Quadro EO Pop Up fabric panels in discontinued fabrics. We have been holding onto them, just in case a customer needed one or two, but now it’s time for a Spring Cleaning.

The following fabric panels, complete with magnet and hanger and kicker strips, are FREE. First come. First serve (within limits). Simply email me at the address below. You’ll have to pay for packaging ($35 wholesale per box) and shipping, but there’s no other obligation. We’ve even eliminated all the fun of haggling, unless you count the packaging fee (which is non-negotiable). Perfect for the kindergartener who needs a durable sleeping mat. 😉

Let us know. If you are a hoarder by nature, please curb that impulse. Offer ends April 10.

Quadro EO and Quadro S Fabric Pop Up Panels

EO Pop Up Panels [Curve Frame]

(1) Silver FR – 6 ft Table Top (complete)

(2) Front Panels

(2) End Caps

(1) Imperial FR – Full Height (complete)

(3) Front Panels

(2) End Caps

(2) Koala FR – 6 ft Table Top (front)

(4) Imperial FR – Full Height (front)

(2) Eclipse Prelude – Full Height (end caps)

(2) Coal FR – Full Height (end caps)

S Pop Up Panels [Curve Frame]

(2) Silver FR – 6 ft Table Top (complete)

(2) Front Panels

(2) End Panels

(1) Silver FR – 8 ft Table Top (complete)

(3) Front Panels

(2) End Panels

(6) Silver FR – Full Height (front)

(4) Silver FR – Full Height (end caps)

(4) Silver FR – Table Top (front)

(2) Lava EcoFi – Table Top (front)

S Pop Up Panels [Straight Frame]

(6) Silver FR – Full Height (front)

(4) Silver FR – Full Height (end caps)

(2) Windsor FR – Full Height (end caps)

* All are complete with magnet and hanger and kicker strips

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Based in Portland, Oregon, Classic Exhibits Inc. designs and manufacturers portable, modular, and custom-hybrid exhibit solutions. Classic Exhibits products are represented by an extensive distributor network in North America and in select International markets. For more information, contact us at 866-652-2100 or www.classicexhibits.com.

You Don't Need No Stinking Pop Up!

Imagine this . . .

You’re at a trade show holding a fistful of qualified leads. It’s the last day, the last 10 minutes before the show closes and you’re tired. You’re ready for dinner, a drink, and a quiet, relaxing evening. But first, you have to dismantle and pack your 10 ft. display.

No problem. You have a SEGUE Sunrise.

Introducing the SEGUE Sunrise Portable Hybrid Display — the World’s Only Tool-Less Display featuring Silicone Edge Graphics (SEG). The engineered aluminum frame assembles with attached knobs in about the same time it takes to assemble a pop-up display.

Choosing the right trade show display is rarely straightforward. Most of the time, you are selecting between two similar but slightly different displays. Sometimes it’s about the price. Other times it’s about a personal design preference. Many times, it comes down to weight and assembly.

We can’t cover every scenario, but we can review some of the more common “this or that” portable/modular choices. You gotta make a decision . . . which one will you choose?

Briefcase Table Top vs. Full-size Table Top

Briefcase Table Top

This comes down to price, presentation, convenience, and assembly. Briefcase table tops tend to be smaller than traditional pop up, fabric, or hybrid table tops. There’s no assembly, unless you have a header, which may add another minute to the setup time. They are functional, convenience, and durable. Pop up, fabric, and hybrid table tops are almost always larger than briefcase table tops and may include options like backlit headers, lights, seamless graphics, and literature holders. Price varies from $400 to $2000 depending on accessories and design.

Full-size Table Top vs. Banner Stand(s)

Banner Stand

This one is tough. Full-size table tops on a 6 ft. table make a great backdrop to any 10 x 10 space. The graphic area is large enough to convey one or two messages and your display will probably look different than your neighbor. Banner stands are lightweight, easy to assembly, and can be placed at the back of the booth or on the aisle. It’s not uncommon to see three banner stands placed side-by-side to create a semi-uniform large image.

Insider Tip: Why choose one or the other . . . Get both! It’s affordable and gives you the ability to take advantage of a table and the fill the booth space without adding clutter.

Banner Stand vs. Fabric Pop Up Display

Fabric Pop Up

This one depends on how many banner stands you want. One or two banner stands in a 10 x 10 space is not a display, and frankly it looks cheap and ridiculous. Two banner stands with a case to counter conversion is much better. A fabric pop up like Xpressions fills the backwall and takes about the same time to setup as multiple banner stands. The difference is price and design. Fabric pop ups are more expensive, but offer more visual impact.

Insider Tip: Both a banner stand and a fabric pop up give the ability to change your graphics frequently. In general, changing the graphic on a fabric pop up is easier than changing the graphic on a banner stand.

Fabric Pop Up vs. Pop Up Display

Pop Up Display

This is really a matter of taste. Fabric pop ups require less assembly time since the graphics are attached to the frame. Fabric pop up graphics are a series of tension fabric images attached to a visible straight frame. Pop up panels are unrolled and then hung on the frame. Pop up graphics are usually mural lambda or inkjet graphics attached to a curved frame. Pop up systems generally have more accessories such as shelves, literature holders, and monitor mounts.

If you want a seamless, single graphic, go with a pop up. If you want a series of images which create a unified theme or message, got with a fabric pop up.

Insiders Tip: You’ve heard it before, but you get what you pay for. The prices for these systems are all over the board. Ask lots of questions and less than you need or more than you’ll use.

Pop Up vs. Portable Hybrid Display

Portable Hybrid

Pop up displays have been the mainstay of the portable exhibitor for over 20 years. Portable hybrids are the interlopers, offering more design options but at a higher price. You can’t go wrong with a pop up display, but you aren’t going to win any design awards. Walk any trade show and you’ll see a pop up display on every aisle. They are effective but not sexy anymore. Portable hybrids come in a variety of design flavors and options. The large format graphics are tension fabric, making them lightweight and durable. The downside . . . portable hybrids rarely ship as compact as pop ups and the setup time can be double. Most portable hybrids require some tool assemble, although newer systems like the Perfect 10 and Sacagawea are either tool-free or mostly tool-free.

Insiders Tip: Portable hybrids come in all price points, from $3500 to $13,0000 for a 10 x 10 display. This is one of the few instances where the price point corresponds directly with the options, design flair, and graphic elements. More money means more curves, larger graphics, more accessory options (and often better packaging).

Portable Hybrid vs. Modular Hybrid Display

Modular Hybrid

What is a hybrid? In short, it’s a display that incorporates engineered aluminum extrusion, tension fabric graphics, and other stuff (which varies by design and manufacturer). Portable hybrids pack in roto-molded wheeled cases. Modular hybrids pack in roto-molded tubs or small wood crates. Portable Hybrids, such as Magellan are lightweight, economical, and attractive, but may not have all the bells and whistles such as extensive storage, large screen monitor capability, puck lighting, and multiple graphics. Modular Hybrids, like Visionary Designs, allow you to create whatever you want. The only limitation is your budget.

Insiders Tip: The terms modular hybrid and custom hybrid are often used interchangeably. Frankly, there are not enough differences to quibble.

Modular Hybrid vs. Modular Laminate Exhibit

Modular Laminate Hybrid

Bear with me on this. It’s a little esoteric. If you read the previous section, you know what Modular Hybrids are all about. Modular Laminate exhibits are are primarily modular laminate panels rather than aluminum extrusion and tension fabric. That said, Modular Hybrids may have some laminate components, and Modular Laminates may have some aluminum and fabric components. It’s just depends on which material is the primary building block. Why choose one over the other? Some people love the the look of laminates. Others prefer large format fabric graphics. It all comes down to personal tastes and the image you are attempting to project.

Insiders Tip: I’m a snob when it comes to modular laminate systems. I have a right to be. I’ve seen every variation over the past 15 years. The best ones are lightweight, durable, two-sided, and simple to install. The worst ones have taken a simple idea and created a mechanical Rubik’s Cube with springs and funky locks. Simple and durable are always better in this case.